If you’ve ever noticed that some training runs in Umamusume: Pretty Derby go surprisingly well while others feel sluggish — even with the same horse girl — the secret sauce might be Affinity. This behind-the-scenes mechanic often goes unnoticed, yet it heavily influences your trainee’s performance.
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In this guide, we’ll simplify everything you need to know about Affinity, how it’s calculated, and why it can make or break your run in Career Mode.
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Affinity Explained: The Hidden Mechanic That Affects Training
Affinity is essentially a compatibility score between your main Umamusume and the two Legacy parents you choose before starting a run in Career Mode.
The higher the Affinity, the better the results:
- Higher starting base stats
- More inherited skills
- Increased chances of spark triggers during training
- Smoother and more rewarding progress overall
If the Affinity is low, your run may feel underwhelming, no matter how good the Support Cards or training path is.
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How Is Affinity Calculated in Umamusume?
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Affinity isn’t shown as a number, but the game provides visual cues to help:
- Double Circle: Excellent compatibility
- Single Circle: Good compatibility
- Triangle: Poor compatibility
So, what determines these symbols?
It boils down to how well the Legacy parents and your trainee match in three key areas:
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Running Style (Leader, Runner, Betweener, etc.)
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Preferred Race Distance (Short, Mile, Medium, Long)
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Racing Achievements of the Legacies and even their parents (Sub-Legacies)
Yes — grandparents matter too! Their influence can tip the scale and improve or reduce your overall Affinity score.
Tips for Choosing the Right Legacies
Want that double circle bonus? Follow these expert tips:
- Match race types: If you’re training a Long-distance horse girl, make sure both Legacies excel at Long races.
- Align running styles: Choosing Legacies with similar running tendencies helps compatibility.
- Check Sub-Legacies: The second-generation Legacy pool (your Legacies' parents) can subtly boost or harm your chances.
- Prioritize synergy, not just stats: Even if a parent has god-tier stats, poor compatibility will lower Affinity.
Why Good Affinity Matters
Choosing compatible Legacies results in:
- Boosted base stats from the start (shown in color above base numbers)
- Access to powerful and relevant skills earlier
- More spark events during training, which boost stat gains
- Smoother progression and higher final ratings
That’s why expert trainers always check Affinity before locking in a team — it’s one of the best ways to get ahead without relying purely on RNG.
Affinity is one of the most important yet often overlooked mechanics in Umamusume: Pretty Derby. By understanding and leveraging compatibility between your trainee and their Legacies, you can set up stronger, smoother training sessions and significantly improve your performance.
So next time you prep for a new build, spend a little extra time planning your Legacy combination. Your future champion will thank you.
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